Gestational Age at Term and Teacher-Reported Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Patterns

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Gestational age at birth is a critical factor in child development.
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Previous research suggests potential links between preterm birth and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between gestational age within the term range (37-41 weeks) and teacher-reported ADHD-related symptom patterns.
• To determine if early-term birth (37-38 weeks) is associated with increased ADHD symptoms compared to later term birth (39-41 weeks).

Main Methods:

• Secondary data analysis of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study, including approximately 1400 children.
• Teacher-based assessments using the Conners Teacher Rating Scale-Revised Short Form at age 9 years.
• Statistical modeling (negative binomial and logistic regression) to assess associations between gestational age and symptom scores.

Main Results:

• Each week of increased gestational age within the term range was associated with a 6% decrease in hyperactivity scores and a 5% decrease in ADHD/inattention scores.
• Early-term birth (37-38 weeks) was linked to significantly higher hyperactivity (23%) and ADHD (17%) scores compared to birth at 39-41 weeks.
• Children born early-term had approximately 50% higher odds of meeting criteria for significant hyperactivity.

Conclusions:

• Findings support recommendations to delay elective deliveries until at least 39 weeks of gestation.
• Children born between 37-38 weeks gestation may benefit from regular ADHD symptom screening.
• Gestational age within the term period appears to influence neurobehavioral outcomes at age 9.